What is Camp Simcha?

Camp Simcha is a medically supervised overnight camp for children and teens living with cancer or other blood disorders.

Who can attend?

Camp Simcha is open to children ages 6 – 20 on active treatment or who are post-treatment. Campers are accepted after the submission of a complete application, including medical forms that must be completed by your child’s physician. All applications are reviewed by our medical director prior to acceptance.

What’s Camp Simcha like?

In many ways, Camp Simcha is like every other sleep-away camp. Our campers participate in sports, swimming, boating, arts and crafts and crafts workshops. They climb on our climbing wall and whiz down our zip line. They play paintball, engage in photography and videography, work on the camp newspaper and participate in our many shows. There are also concerts, interactive games and shows throughout the summer sessions.

In some important ways, though, Camp Simcha is very different from other camps. Every building and facility is handicapped accessible to assure that every child can participate. We play adaptive sports and adapt our other activities to foster inclusion. Camp Simcha’s medical team, which consists of pediatric oncologists, nurses, therapists, EMTs, and a pharmacist, carefully guard our children’s health and safety.

Perhaps most critical is that your child is in an environment where he or she is no longer “that kid with cancer.” By normalizing illness, we give children the chance to be kids again, to enjoy themselves, to make friends, to forget about illness or to talk about it with the only people who will truly understand them.

Who will take care of my child?

Your child will have his or her own counselor, a loving and compassionate individual whose goal is to ensure that your child has a great experience at camp. The staff to camper ratio is 2:1. Rotating counselors, specialists, waterfront counselors and wait staff interact with campers and provide additional assistance when needed.

The entire staff is carefully screened, including reference and background checks. In addition, all staff receives a thorough orientation before each session begins.

Where will my child live?

Your child will reside in a cabin with five other campers and their counselors. All facilities at camp, including the cabins, are climate controlled.

What about my child’s diet?

Camp Simcha is a kosher facility. Special diets are accommodated with a big smile from our chef, who takes all dietary restrictions as a challenge to produce nutritious and very tasty food that campers will love. Please let the camp know of all allergies, restrictions, and food preferences when completing the application forms.

What about medication and supplies?

You must supply all medical supplies, including medications, and all equipment that your child needs on a daily basis. Please pack two weeks’ worth of medication and supplies.

Medication is dispensed by our medical staff. We are one of the few camps that can administer chemotherapy during your child’s stay. A member of our administrative or medical staff will be in contact with you before camp if your child will receive chemo while in residence.

Should I stay near camp?

No! Your child’s camp stay is your time off. We urge you to use this time to rejuvenate and relax. Spend time with your other children, go on vacation, or just chill out at home while your child is having a great time at camp. We do ask that you leave a local contact if you plan to travel.

Will you keep me informed?

We make every effort to call parents (or their local contacts) if there is a significant change in a child’s health or in an emergency. In addition, campers can call home at any time, and you can call camp to speak with your child and his/her counselor.

We have a camp blog and post daily pictures on our website. In addition, parents can register for ParentSpace for access to a restricted portion that has additional content.

Can I visit?

Sorry, but we do not allow visitors in camp.

How much does Camp Simcha cost?

Camp is totally free. When we say free, we mean it. Even our well-stocked canteen is free. We even pay for transportation from your home city. However, you are responsible for baggage and any other fees (including oxygen) levied by the airlines.